Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: Will Schools, Banks Be Impacted As 25 Cr Workers Set To Go On Strike?

News18

17 hours ago

Last Updated:
Over 25 crore workers from various sectors are expected to participate in a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, July 9.
Over 25 crore workers from various sectors, including banking, insurance, postal services, and coal mining, are expected to participate in a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, July 9.
Organised by a coalition of 10 central trade unions, the 'Bharat Bandh' call aims to protest against the central government's policies, which the unions describe as 'anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate".
The unions have called for widespread participation to ensure the strike's success, highlighting months of intensive preparations across both formal and informal sectors.
'More than 25 crore workers are anticipated to join the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also participate across the country," Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The strike is expected to significantly disrupt key public services and industries. 'Banking, postal services, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected," said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha.
The unrest centres around a 17-point charter of demands submitted to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. The unions accuse the government of ignoring these demands and failing to hold the annual labour conference for the past decade, indicating a lack of concern for the labour force.
Why Bharat Bandh?
In a joint statement, the forum criticised the government's labour reforms, including the introduction of four new labour codes, which they claim undermine workers' rights. These codes, they argue, aim to weaken collective bargaining, reduce union activities, extend working hours, and protect employers from accountability under labour laws.
The forum accused the government of abandoning the welfare state status and favouring foreign and Indian corporates, as evident from its policies.
The unions have been opposing the 'privatisation of public sector enterprises and public services, outsourcing, contractorisation, and the casualisation of the workforce."
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and a coalition of agricultural workers' unions have expressed support for the strike and plan to mobilise extensively in rural India, the union leaders stated.
Trade unions previously held similar nationwide strikes on November 26, 2020, on March 28-29, 2022, and on February 16 last year.
Will Banks Remain Closed?
However, banking unions have not separately confirmed about the disruption of services due to bandh, but as per bandh organisers financial services will be affected.
Bandh organisers said that the strike includes employees from public sector banks and cooperative banking sectors, which may impact banking operations.
What About Schools, Colleges & Offices?
Schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to remain open on July 9. However, normal operations may face disruptions in some regions due to transport issues.
Public buses, taxis, and app-based cab services could be affected as trade unions and allied groups hold protest marches and road demonstrations in several cities.